Disqus - Latest Comments for tjproudamerican

Re: Is The Republic Party Morphing Into a Narrowly Defined “Movement?”

ProfElwood — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:15:32 -0000

But, in a way, ProfElwood's comment shows what is wrong with the Republican and conservatives who are True Believers.

If you scroll up a bit on this thread, you'll see that I'm not a Republican, or a true believer. And on another recent thread, I would love investigations:
http://themoderatevoice.com/55243/nicolas-sarko...

My point is exactly the same as yours. You were calling out Republican leaders for a lack of discipline, but not the Democratic leaders.

As for the whole "this is just racism" thing. You can find my answer to that one here:
http://themoderatevoice.com/46131/the-great-tea...

Re: Is The Republic Party Morphing Into a Narrowly Defined “Movement?”

tjproudamerican — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:51:37 -0000

There is a difference here. I think Daley has been a disaster as Mayor. But Daley never called the President of the United States a Muslim, with its suggestion that President Obama is not a citizen.

But, in a way, ProfElwood's comment shows what is wrong with the Republican and conservatives who are True Believers. Any infraction by Republicans is excused because the Democratic politicians have done worse. In fact, I understand that ProfElwood is in fact suggesting that President Obama is a corrupt member of Chicago Mayor Daley's political machine. On another blog, I would venture this would be expressed much more directly and crudely.

I wonder how much racism there is in this country. For example, I wonder what Mayor Wiseman says when he is certain that everyone has the same level of contempt he has shown to President Obama.

And this may seem to be too Politically Correct, but I think racism and hatred are morally wrong, and if my Party had so many mistaken opinions about Republicans, I would denounce it vigorously.

Re: Is The Republic Party Morphing Into a Narrowly Defined “Movement?”

ProfElwood — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:21:56 -0000

Where are the GOP leaders and why are they silent about Mayor Wiseman and so many others?

They probably aren't going to care too much over a city mayor, just like the silence on Chicago's mayor Daley and his well-known corruption.

Re: Is The Republic Party Morphing Into a Narrowly Defined “Movement?”

tjproudamerican — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:08:03 -0000

Joe. I cannot believe how many people the GOP has like Arlington Tennessee's Mayor Russel Wiseman, who called Obama a Muslim and told Obama's supporters to go to a Muslim nation.

Mayor Wiseman is too typical of too many Republicans. President Obama's election has unhinged them.

And now, with so much evidence that the GOP has too much disinformation and hatred of Obama, the Party will call for "purity"? Barrack Obama is very lucky to have the enemies he has, but we as a nation need to stop this madness of so many Republicans asserting Obama is a Muslim, was born in Kenya, stole the election through ACORN and so many other absurd lies.

Where are the GOP leaders and why are they silent about Mayor Wiseman and so many others?

Re: Quote of the Day: Are the Old and New Media Missing it on Barack Obama?

tjproudamerican — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:13:30 -0000

dear Joe

This analysis is an example of what brought me here and keeps me returning. You try hard to understand and be fair, and harder still to inculcate fairness and moderation in others, readers and writers. Thank you & please, please, please, do not quit.

Re: Power Line - A Republican Congress in 2010?

tjproudamerican — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:31:41 -0000

I do not understand how Medicare and Medicaid recipients, who are a huge factor in the anti-Health Care Expansion are going to vote for "smaller government".

Would any politician run on an honest attempt to end entitlements?

The fact is that retirees run our Polity. They do not want Health Care Reform because it takes attention and resources from them.

Bill Clinton, and even George W. Bush with his expansion of government spending for this group by paying their prescription expenses, knew this.

Strange things happen in America, so maybe a true small government congress and president will be elected, but if you think THESE Town Halls are angry, wait until someone tries to do something about retiree entitlements.

Re: Is Kenneth Gladney a Democratic plant?

tjproudamerican — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:51:49 -0000

There are two arguments made by conservatives that are not as powerful as conservatives think.

First, conservatives argue "The protesters are rightfully concerned and deserve to be heard." Well, no they are not, and if anyone were at a meeting that was disrupted like this, you would feel like you were living in a country where there was a Civil war about to break out.

Look for yourself: http://www.dailykostv.com/w/002030/

The people who come in and shout down the Representative who is trying to explain her position are unmoored by their own anger.

The second argument which is not strong is that the Democratic Congress and President are failing because they have not cured all our nation's ills since January 20, 2009.

President Obama does NOT have a "Veto-Proof" Senate with 60 reliable votes. Our Republic-based democracy moves very slowly.

But it will not be President Obama who will look bad if Health Care Reform does not pass. The same people who shout "Government keep your hands off my Medicaire Medicaid" and the Conservatives will be the ones who will have to answer.

It is not surprising that President Obama's ratings have slid: Obama is trying to do something about our problems. Americans have a split-personality when it comes to problems: they want the problems solved quickly, and easily, and painlessly.

Obama only needs to be patient and persistent and optimistic. Conservatives are good and great at anger and "mega-ditto's" rank conformity. Obama will win because in the end, as much as so many conservatives worship nihilism and destruction and anger, Americans are hope-filled people.

This debate has been a disaster for the Have's, who have shown themselves to be self-righteous, deeply selfish, and depressingly filled with rage. Limbaugh IS conservatism, which is terrible for David Frum, and Daniel Larison, and Rod Dreher, and so many other important voices.

Shout 'em down and listen to Rush is good for Culture Wars and about 20% of the vote. The Middle will win if we do not panic.

Re: Can You Say Scumbag?

tjproudamerican — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:22:33 -0000

What is the point of posting a defense of Colonel Peters, who favors shooting the Media in a War Zone and who said the Taliban would be doing us a favor if this guy deserted as Peters suggested he knew?

Your point is that "if someone deserts, then they have deserted?"

Do you know something we do not know about this unfortunate young man?

Why are you speculating that someone held by the Taliban may be a deserter? What facts do you have?

But, even under the notion that this kid ran away in Afghaistan, I still am on his side not The Taliban's. He is scared and wants to come home and he is captured by vicious killers.

I stand with him, not Peters.

Re: Can You Say Scumbag?

AustinRoth — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:01:33 -0000

tj -

WTF are you talking about? All I said is that there are indications that this specific soldier, in this specific case, left his base without permission and alone, in a combat zone. I even used words like "if" because it is not known at this moment that it is indeed the case. But it appears there is a good chance.

"If" indeed that is what happened, then that is desertion. That is ALL I said, and nothing more.

Where did I favor the Taliban over the US Military? Where did I say anything supporting the statement whenever the Taliban kidnaps an American soldier they should be assumed a deserter until proven otherwise? Where did I say anything remotely like we should thank the Taliban for "doing us the favor" of executing our soldiers?

Now, please go self-copulate.

Re: Can You Say Scumbag?

tjproudamerican — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:18:18 -0000

It is always inappropriate to favor the Taliban over the US Military, AustinRoth. Peters is Judge and Jury and Investigating Officer, and then he cheers on the Taliban.

Two Questions for you and Peters:

1. whenever the Taliban kidnaps an American soldier they should be assumed a deserter until proven otherwise?

2. we should thank the Taliban for "doing us the favor" of executing our soldiers?

Whose country do you back?

Re: Power Line - Sotomayor's Nose Grows Longer

tjproudamerican — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 18:06:45 -0000

Your discussion here is racist. It is no wonder Republicans are an Endangered Species.

Audra Shay, Senator Dianne Black, Sherri Goforth, and Powerline.

The funniest remark here is that Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia will "brush her aside". Justice Scalia is noted for Dissents that are zingers and change nobody's mind, attitude, or opinion, and Clarence Thomas is noted for being silent.

It would be tempting to take pleasure in your discomfort with Justice Sotomayor, but it is distressing that this is the same racist GOP Country Club that always opposed people who did not know their place.

The blacks, and other minorities that can stomach your obvious disdain of non dittohead, echo chamber, Rushling conformists must really be good at ignoring reality.

I, and evryone of you who is honest, think that my experience in living has made me wise. It is understandable that white men chafe under the restriction that they cannot praise their life experience, but Sonia Sotomayor is not a racist for sayng that having been judged for her background has given her a particular wisdom.

When you consider how the writers here judge her and look down on her for being a non Clarence Thomas Orthodox Conformist 'nice' Minority, Sonia Sotomayor is correct in her self-appraisal.

(((I know Ditto-head-Glenn Beck-o-philes do not care about winning elections, and I know the next generation of young Republicans like Audra Shay are prejudiced, try to remember that young people are not haters anymore. You need to stop hating or you will vanish.))))

Re: Power Line - The Real Sarah Palin

tjproudamerican — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:13:44 -0000

As a liberal, I hate the idea that in Alaska people can use Ethics Laws to hound anyone out of office.

I wish she had fought to change those laws. I believe the American People have unique good qualities and would respond deeply to a fighter who said, "These laws are unfair, if well-intentioned, help me change them."

Tom J

Re: McCain Staffers Trash Palin -- Taegan Goddard's Political Wire

Quagmire — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:52:15 -0000

Strong use of "mountebank".

Re: McCain Staffers Trash Palin -- Taegan Goddard's Political Wire

tjproudamerican — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:12:45 -0000

Palin has a Totalitarian's regard for any perceived "insults" against her and her family and yet she named a child with mental retardation, "Trig". As in say "Trigger", Roy Rogers horse. And she definitely opens her life up to get sympathy and then reacts when people react the way they do react.

I feel sorry for her daughters. Their father is Peter Pan, playing all day long as if he were the Alaskan version of AJ Foyt, and their mother is an ambitious, clever, and ultimately stupid fading beauty who finds solace in the kind of religion that demands very little thought and complete emotion.

Only in America do complete mountebanks like Samuel, the non-licensed plumber's assistant and Sarah Palin seem like serious people.

Re: Twelve Angry White People: Jury Nullification in a Pennsylvania Coal Town (Updated)

tjproudamerican — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 23:13:55 -0000

A Gang of Football Players beat a man to death. They kick him while he is down. They celebrate their violence and want to get back to their lives. And some who comment here champion these violent gang-attackers who beat a human being to death with their fists and feet.

It is amazing to me how few people believe in God, or goodness, or even being humane.

Shame on these young men, shame on their coaches, shame on those who cheer on these people kicking an already wounded and defeated man viciously in the face over and over.

This is a depressing story of the vile side of humans & how easily people lose their humanity.

Re: Elections Have Consequences, Part 278

tjproudamerican — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 12:54:32 -0000

sorry to post a fan note, but this is a great post and onderful discussion. I wish many people read this and I am sending the link.....

THANK YOU.

Re: Letterman Jokes About 14 Year Old Girl Being ‘Knocked Up’

tjproudamerican — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 13:17:21 -0000

This is the number one issue on Memeorandum. Whatever you think about this issue, you have to admire the sheer power of Right Wing Blogs to set the agenda.

This is a very cool exercise in phony outrage by the Right who invented all the PC curbs on language. They had to drill deep to make Letterman's offhand joke which was clearly a slap at Palin's inability to pass along her strict moral code even to her own daughter by substituting the non-pregnant unmarried daughter from the unmarried mother daughter.

Only professional grievance mongers thought Letterman's joke was about the 14 y.o. The joke was about how strange it was that Sarah Palin was unrolled like an unknown product we would all love, and then we found out very little about her was real.

I would say Letterman is silly, but compared to the blogosphere, he is Wittgenstein and St. Augustine.

Re: Letterman Jokes About 14 Year Old Girl Being ‘Knocked Up’

tjproudamerican — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:32:02 -0000

Letterman should have pointed out that the Palin family is very much a private and publicity averse group, that education is so important to the family that Palin children do NOT drop out, they simply pursue their GED or join the military, and that they do not get pregnant until they turn 16.

I just pray for this good woman, who has never mocked or belittled anyone except people she holds in contempt like community organizers and the people who are not from the Real America like she and Todd and anyone who has ever dared to oppose her or point out that she is a Bill and Hillary Class pathological liar.

And I know conservatives are really upset. Just as they were when FoxNews called Michelle Obama Brack Obama's "Baby's Momma".

Oh the humaity! Poor, poor Sarah Palin.......

Re: Was “Date Night” a Good Idea?

tjproudamerican — Sun, 31 May 2009 16:37:10 -0000

This is a stupid issue. The president of the United States has the right to a life. Because we are a nation where nobody famous is safe, we protect the president. That means Jets and jet fuel and motorcades.

An abortion doctor was slaughtered in his church today. Obama cannot travel light. It is not fair to the brave women and men of the Secret Service. As president, the more he gets out, whether Broadway Plays or church or soccer games, the better. It does not make him a hypocrite to want to protect the planet and live as full a life as he can and allow the Secret Service to do their job.

I am a lifelong liberal and member of the Democratic party, and I regret that we live in a nation of murderers. But I do not begrudge any famous person the protection from the kind of lunatic haters we spawn. I want Dick Cheney protected, I want Rush Limbaugh protected, and I want Obama protected. I also want him and his family and all famous people and their families to live a full life.

I think the petty carping on Obama is what passes for thinking in too many conservative circls. Obviously, Daniel Larison of Eunomia and other true consrvative thinkers are not going to play pretend gotcha, but the rest of you are a very sad and hateful lot:

Obama puts mustard on his cheeseburger.
Obama went to a Broadway Play.

You are pathetic and I hope you get lots and lots of coverage because despite all the crazy people who shoot people in church, America is a great land and we are a great people. The more you show how petty you are in pretend gotcha's the more people think of Republicans as the political party not to support.

Re: Was “Date Night” a Good Idea?

baseballmaven — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:58:04 -0000

Ahh, it's not the vacation time or the fact that President Obama wants to take the First Lady out on the town--that would be fine if he weren't continually chiding us about driving SUVs or turning on our lights...it's a matter of wanting the President to lead by example, not have a "do as I say not as I do" paternalistic attitude. That's where the hypocrisy comes in, not in the fact that he is taking time off.

I don't think that this is comparable to Bush being away from the White House at either Camp David or at Crawford, both of which locations are working locations anyhow. Plus, Bush wasn't taking over the auto industry and handing it to the unions, while shafting other investors who hold stock in their retirement funds from GM or Chrysler (to the tune of 40% vs 10%); Bush wasn't opposed to drilling for oil in America--so his use of Presidential planes didn't rise to the hypocritical.

Don't tell me to drive a smart death car (and by the way, don't write me off as an SUV nut--I drive a pzev Accord) and then jet around on a Gulfstream

Re: Was “Date Night” a Good Idea?

tjproudamerican — Sun, 31 May 2009 12:27:30 -0000

Kudos Matt!!!!

This is Richard Cohen-esqe. I hope all these petty people and Mr Shaw himself get remembered for criticizing a president for going to see a Broadway Play.

And while the hypocrisy angle is a great Talking Point, President Bush took nearly 1,000 days at Camp David and Crawford. President Bush averaged 120 some days away from the White House a year and he started and waged an unnecessary war.

Mr. Shaw should have this essay mentioned at the top of his biography so people will know what kind of man he is. Maybe Mr. Shaw and Mr. Cohen can write a book together.

Re: Was “Date Night” a Good Idea?

tjproudamerican — Sun, 31 May 2009 09:15:54 -0000

I think we need new descriptors for our political culture.

"Petty" has lost its meaning, as Mr. Shaw amply demonstrates here.

What actual difference did this trip to NYC make? If Obama had stayed in Washington are you seriously arguing that things would be different?

I am disgusted with these kinds of complaints. It s good for a president to get out and see a Broadway Play. It is good for Broadway and NYC for a president to treat a night out in NYC as a special event.

I love Moderate Voice. Moderate Voice is the last place I would expect to see someone write something so foolish and so partisan.

I hope Mr. Shaw's essay here follows him as an example of the kind of thinker and writer he is. "Petty"? Yes, but worse than petty.

Re: Fauxrage Watch: Obama Bows. America Doomed.

tjproudamerican — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:54:49 -0000

And missing from the angry Conservatives, who lately are always mad about something, is any talk of what Policy differences Obama has with previous Presidents. Did Bush isolate Saudi Arabia? Did Clinton? Did St. Ronald Reagan?

So Mr. Treacher's critique is all on style, as though when George W. Bush held hand or kissed the Prince on the lips, that was great statesmanship.

It is an absurd faux controversy, but you right wing guys boiling rage is all too real. But rage wins no votes or friends or arguments.

Re: Fauxrage Watch: Obama Bows. America Doomed.

tjproudamerican — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:48:30 -0000

at least "braindead" is aptly named. I think the Right is doing a tremendous job of making Obama electorally invincible. It is like the "brains" at Move On suddenly started advising the Right how to alienate normal people.

I hope the Right keeps this story alive until Obama's Second Inauguration. Thanks Braindead!

Re: Palin is the New Limbaugh -- Taegan Goddard's Political Wire

tjproudamerican — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:28:24 -0000

Teaching college women for over 20 years, I agree with this. Young women are especially hard on other young women. The whole language that they use is sexist and very much unexamined. They allow for "hooking up" but they call women who do "ho's" and "sluts" in a joking and very judgmental way.

And while young women are natural feminists, they resent being seen as feminists, and they definitely think they can be both 100% feminine as defined by a Victoria's Secret Catalogue and simultaneously have power and prestige.

Young people, like the culture they were born into, are riven with contradictions.